National Development Agenda Research Articles

Ebbs and Flows of Authority: Decentralization, Development and the Hydrosocial Cycle in Lesotho

Dominant development discourse holds that water scarcity reflects geophysical limitations, lack of infrastructure or lack of government provision. However, this paper outlines the ways in which scarcity can only be fully explained in the context of development, specifically, neoliberal economic policies and related notions of good governance. Water is Lesotho’s primary natural resource, yet many of its inhabitants remain severely water insecure. Presently, decentralization and Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) are embraced in Lesotho as a philosophy and method to engage varied stakeholders and to empower community members. Using a water committee in Qalo, Lesotho as a case study, this paper explores the micro-politics of water governance. As individuals contest who is responsible for managing water resources for the village—by aligning themselves with traditional chiefs, elected officials, or neither—they transform or reinforce specific hydro-social configurations. While decentralized resource management aims to increase equity and local ownership over resources, as well as moderate the authority of traditional chiefs, water access is instead impacted by conflicts over management responsibility for water resources. Drawing on theories of political ecology and governmentality to extend recent scholarship on IWRM, this paper re-centers the political in water governance by situating local tensions within national policies and development agendas and demonstrating how scarcity is hydro-social.

Gender Inequality and its Implication for Inclusive Growth in Nigeria from 1980 to 2018

Earlier empirical studies on inequality concentrated more on its effects on economic growth with limited attention on its consequences for inclusive growth. Nigeria on average has achieved its annual target growth rate. However, stark realities of inequality, unemployment and poverty amid growth point to the need for inclusive growth. This paper examined the gender inequality implications for inclusive growth in Nigeria from 1980 to 2018 using data from the World Development Indicators (2018), National Bureau of Statistics (2018) and CBN Statistical Bulletin (2018).This study used the ARDL cointegration method in the analysis and the results showed that gender inequality in education and employment both in the short and in the long term portend grave consequences for inclusive growth in Nigeria. Government should take appropriate policy measures by ensuring equal access to education and employment for both men and women to minimize economic losses. Attaining inclusive growth in Nigeria is unlikely without gender equality. Therefore, this paper recommends that gender equality should be included in the National Development Agenda and be backed by policies that will enforce its operation both in public and private sectors at the local, state and federal government levels.

Study on Application of Native Plants in Park Greening in Guilin

With the Guangxi Guilin being listed as an innovative demonstration zone for the national sustainable development agenda in 2018, the urban construction processes in Guilin continued to advance. In the construction of city image, garden planning and design has played an important role. Urban landscaping plays an important role in urban development and has a great influence on the image of the city. The selection of urban landscaping trees is mainly based on native plants, which directly determines the ornamental effect of landscaping. This paper aims to study the application of native tree species in Guilin in garden planning.

Research Data Management (RDM) Strategy for Academic Libraries in Ghana: Setting a National Development Agenda

Academic libraries have in tandem, gradually assumed a superior role in a nation’s development. Academic library policies and practices over the world have therefore advocated holistic research data management in a physical and virtual landscape. These dynamics have posed challenges and consequences for socio-economic development for academic libraries in Ghana. This study analyses and assesses research data management policies and practices in academic libraries in order to develop a strategic and comprehensive framework that depicts real time coordination among stakeholders for socio-economic development, thus asetting a strong agenda for national development in Ghana. Using ethically professional research methods, this study adopted the purposive sampling techniques to select its sample size, scooped both quantitative and qualitative data from survey-based secondary data sources and modifies existing research data management theories and models to unravel and explain its findings. The Ghana Library Board (GLB), the Consortium of Academic and Research Li-braries in Ghana (CARLIGH), and the Ghana Library Association (GLA) are key policy formulation agencies in Ghana’s academic library industry with a goal of negotiating licensing agreements and play leadership roles to re-inforce research data management. Poor level of collaboration between researchers and librarians, lack of research data management skill, lack of technological innovation and financial constraints are key challenges of academic libraries in Ghana. Surely, academic libraries in Ghana have ex-hibited potentials for revitalizing research data management in the areas of health, education, employment, land and housing, governance, water and sanitation, agriculture, energy, urbanization, youth and gender studies, and the environment. The recommended national research data management policy framework with an embedded enterprise wide research management information system will assure the world’s academic library industry of an effective RDM strategy that drives global development, hone the expertise of academic libraries in Ghana and direct their research data management strategies.

“Archaeo, That Useless Subject”

This paper is a response to James Anquandah’s call to make archaeological praxis relevant to national development agendas and to public and local communities. More specifically, it addresses how archaeology can contribute toward the advancement of community needs and interests, integrate the politics of recognition and inclusion, and also take into account community heritage values that necessitate active engagement with the past, particularly in regard to archaeological work at Christiansborg Castle in Osu, Accra, Ghana.

Does Land Conflict Matter to Farm Productivity? A Case Study of Cambodia

Land-related conflicts in Cambodia have been garnering much attention. The Cambodian government, through the Prime Minister, pledged to resolve land-related disputes, as they not only hurt the people but negatively impact on the national development agenda. Land disputes are estimated to involve 200,000 poor Cambodians. The government has been urged by international aid agencies to solve land problems to aid rural development and alleviate poverty. This paper evaluates the determinants of land conflict and its impact on land productivity, and provides recommendations on land governance in Cambodia, using an extensive 2004 nationwide household survey data consisting of 15,000 households in 600 rural and 300 urban villages. In the face of a growing landless population, primarily with loss of ownership by female-headed households, this study finds evidence that suggests other approaches for policymakers in preventing a growing landless population and land conflict prevention. It was also found out that modalities of acquisition are not a dominant cause of land conflict, while posessing land title reduces the probability of getting one's land into dispute. The analysis finds evidence of negative impact of land conflicts on farm productivity. This finding supports the hypothesis of the study and confirms the downward spiral events of conflicts that impact on farm productivity. The most involved in land-related conflicts are agricultural lands, which may signify the community’s risk for low land productivity. The numerous land grabbing incidents in Cambodia may also lead to land conflicts. There is urgent call for the Cambodian government to solve land conflicts or improve land governance not only for agricultural development, but also for Cambodians’ rights over their lands. The impetus of resolving land issues, especially in rural Cambodia, will contribute to more effective poverty reduction efforts.

The impact of tourism and finance on women empowerment

The Goal-5 of United Nations Development Agenda for gender equality and women empowerment through equalizing the ratio of girls and boys enrolment in primary education remains suffered in almost every part of the globalized world, which does not even violate the basic human rights while it is the mandatory foundation for global peace and prosperity. The contribution of international tourism development to empower women is the key initiative of the developed world to provide an equal opportunity to the women to sustain their livelihoods. This study focused on the role of international tourism development on women empowerment through mediating a number of financial factors in a panel of 24 selected European countries, over a period of 1990–2015. The results show that financial intermediaries act as a catalyst to empower women through international tourism. More specifically, tourism and financial factors promote (i) gender parity in tertiary enrollment, (ii) gender parity in primary and secondary school enrollment, (iii) female employment, and (iv) women’s share in non-agriculture wage employment, while the results further support the (i) growth-led tourism, (ii) finance-led growth, (iii) growth stimulate women empowerment, and (iv) tourism-induced women’s empowerment hypothesis across countries.

Family planning in India: The way forward.

Given the magnitude of the family planning programme in India, there is a need to strengthen the coordination of all its aspects, focusing on planning, programmes, monitoring, training and procurement. The quality of care in family planning must be a major focus area to ensure the success of family planning programmes. Despite serious efforts and progress, India has yet to achieve its family planning goals. Furthermore, there is a need for greater male participation both as enablers and beneficiaries and also address the sexual and reproductive needs of the youth. It is imperative for the government to ensure the prioritization of family planning in the national development agenda. Family planning is crucial for the achievement of the sustainable development goals, and subsequent efforts need to be made to improve access and strengthen quality of family planning services.

Predictors of complementary feeding practices in Afghanistan: Analysis of the 2015 Demographic and Health Survey.

Despite improvements over the past 20 years, high burdens of child mortality and undernutrition still coexist in Afghanistan. Global evidence indicates that complementary feeding (CF) practices predict child survival and nutritional status. Our study aims to describe CF practices in Afghanistan and to discern underlying predictors of CF by analysing data from Afghanistan's 2015 Demographic and Healthy Survey. Multilevel models were constructed comprising potential predictors at individual, household, and community levels and four CF indicators: timely introduction of solid, semi‐solid, or soft foods (INTRO), minimum meal frequency (MMF), minimum dietary diversity (MDD), and minimum acceptable diet (MAD) among breastfed children. INTRO prevalence among children aged 6–8 months was 56%, whereas the prevalence of MMF, MDD, and MAD among children aged 6–23 months was 55%, 23%, and 18%, respectively. Of the seven food groups considered, four were consumed by 20% or fewer children: eggs (20%), legumes and nuts (18%), fruits and vegetables (15%), and flesh foods (14%). Increasing child age and more antenatal care visits were significantly and positively associated with greater odds of meeting all CF indicators. Lower household wealth and lower community‐level access to health care services were associated with lower odds of MDD and MAD. Disparities in achieving recommended CF practices were observed by region. CF practices in Afghanistan are poor and significant socioeconomic inequities in CF are observed across the country. Our study calls for urgent policy and programme attention to improve complementary feeding practices as an intrinsic part of the national development agenda.

Addressing NCDs in the National Development Agenda - United Arab Emirates Experience

Background and context: NCDs represent the major health burden in UAE, accounting for 65% of all deaths in UAE. At national level, UAE national agenda 2021 signified the high level commitments toward NCD prevention and control. The national agenda includes a set of national targets that aims on reducing NCD mortality and burden. Those targets are aligned well with WHO global targets for 2025 and the 2030 for sustainable development goals and targets. Aim: To draw on the experiences of UAE that had made good progress in integrating NCDs into national development agenda and developing national accountability mechanism to facilitate engagement of nonhealth sectors. Strategy/Tactics: The national multisectoral action plan for NCD prevention and control for (2017- 2021) provides a clear road map for NCD action. Program/Policy process: there have been various policy interventions and programs to support this agenda, including the inclusion of NCDs with measurable targets and indicators under the third of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015. Outcomes: Taking into account the vital role of nonhealth sectors, key performance indicators were assigned for each sectors and a regular in-house reporting system has been institutionalized to allow effective progress, which was monitored by a committee lead by Prime Minister office. A number of fast track initiatives has been undertaken to reduce the NCD burden, such as screening and health promotion programs conducted by the primary healthcare, taxation on sugary drinks and tobacco, national periodic health and cancer screening initiatives, smoking cessation, and breast cancer screening campaigns. What was learned: Ensure full engagement of national stakeholders, during development and implementation of NCD action plan is critical. The role and responsibilities of each sector has to be agreed upon. Developing national targets and indicators with accountability scheme is essential to monitor progress.

Library cooperation in Zimbabwe: in search of a suitable model to underpin national development

Purpose The paper explores library cooperation in Zimbabwe and gathers views from librarians on the need for a library consortium model to underpin national development. This study aims to investigate the development of library consortia in Zimbabwe and then propose a model that will both accelerate their development and support the country’s national development agenda. Design/methodology/approach The paper opted for an investigative study using a multi-method research design. Data on existing library consortia, namely, Zimbabwe University Library Consortium (ZULC) and College and Research Library Consortium (CARLC), were collected through questionnaires and interviews. The data were complemented by documentary analysis including primary sources of information, for example, annual reports and brochures. Data were analysed qualitatively and quantitatively. Findings The paper provides empirical insights on how ZULC and CARLC are transforming the provision of library services in several ways, for example, providing for the dynamic needs of users and strategizing on overcoming rising costs of scholarly content through resource sharing. The proposed model effectively elevates the fundamental library consortium principles of cooperation and sharing onto the national development stage, and it is novel and pioneering. The gestures and general remarks made recently by Zimbabwe Library Association and some ZULC members about national development and ZIMASSET are given rigorous and scholarly expression in this model. Research limitations/implications Because of the chosen research approach, the research results may lack generalisability beyond Zimbabwe. It is therefore imperative for researchers to test the proposed propositions further. Practical implications The paper includes implications for the development of a library consortia model to underpin national development in Zimbabwe. The existing academic sector library consortium still excludes other types of libraries from participating in resource sharing and promoting access to information on a national development scale. The proposed library consortium model providing for nation-wide access to information is critical in realising national development goals in Zimbabwe. Currently, academic library consortia are contributing immensely through supporting learning, teaching and research in their respective institutions. Such benefits can also be extended to all institutions through a national library consortium to support development in Zimbabwe. Originality/value This paper fulfils an identified need to study how the development of a nation-wide library consortium model can be realised. There is relatively little researched information on library cooperation and library consortia and national development in Southern Africa with specific reference to Zimbabwe. The paper seeks to close the gap by providing information on library cooperation and library consortia and national development in Zimbabwe.

Competences of graduation for the curricular redesign of mechanical engineering based on local and national development agendas

This article proposes the implementation of CDIO (Conceive, Design, Implement and Operate) in the curricular redesign of the career of Mechanical Engineering. It presents a binding scheme of shared learning between the industry and academia to obtain graduate competencies, as a basis for curricular redesign. A new educational model is designed which allows the transition from know what to know how; interlacing the disciplines that intervene with skills and abilities to solve projects focused on local and national realities. It was defined that of the CDIO, standards 2, 3, 5 and 7 apply. This generates a student-centered curriculum with complementary disciplines, interlaced with inter and intra-personal skills, product manufacturing, processes and systems. This proposal considers specific knowledge, skills, values and attitudes that must be applied in the integral formation of Mechanical Engineers, in order to respond to the socio-productive needs of the country. Finally, the curricular redesign determines the areas of professional academic impact in Design, Energy, Materials and Production Management, taking into account the graduate competences and in a complementary way the learning results of the subjects of the career.

O Estado e as políticas públicas que tornaram a agricultura familiar uma agente importante do desenvolvimento

Ao longo da segunda metade do século XX, a luta organizada pelos pequenos produtores rurais e trabalhadores do campo, por participação no orçamento do Estado, desencadeou a institucionalização da categoria “agricultura familiar”, abarcando variados grupos, tornando o desenvolvimento rural difuso. O objetivo deste artigo é mostrar como se deu essa institucionalização, suas características e desafios frente a implementação das políticas públicas orientadas a uma categoria de agentes tão distintos no âmbito cultural, social, econômico e territorial. Para isso, a pesquisa utiliza o arcabouço teórico da sociologia reflexiva de Pierre Bourdieu, no que tange seus estudos sobre o Estado, com a intenção de identificar as lutas simbólicas no campo do poder, tendo a institucionalização da categoria agricultura familiar como produto, colocando diversos grupos sociais na agenda desenvolvimento nacional. Os resultados mostram que, embora tenha formalizado um conjunto de regulamentações e políticas públicas voltadas à agricultura familiar, sua diversidade traz a necessidade da participação de outros fatores que não, unicamente, as políticas públicas federais, evidenciando a distribuição desigual de capital simbólico à heterogênea agricultura familiar.

Artisanal and small-scale mining and rural livelihood diversification: The case of manganese extraction in West Timor, Indonesia

This article examines the role of ASM in supporting livelihood diversification, drawing on experiences from subsistence farmers mining manganese in West Timor, Indonesia. An artisanal manganese mining boom, beginning around 2007–2008, in West Timor caused considerable concern amongst government and NGOs. However, unlike ASM gold in Indonesia, there have been no significant assessments of manganese mining to provide a foundation for understanding the impacts of this activity. This study addresses the gap in knowledge regarding the extent, practice, impacts and livelihood contribution of manganese mining in West Timor, Indonesia. The results found artisanal manganese mining to be a significant rural livelihood activity with an estimated 325,000 people actively engaged in mining over a wide area during the peak period from 2009–2011. Despite the scale of the industry, negative impacts of mining were found to be minimal. Moreover, manganese mining was shown to often complement farming practices and contribute to livelihood diversification. These findings reiterate the call for ASM to be supported by national and international rural development agendas as a valuable and legitimate rural livelihood.

Strengthening Nutrition-Specific Policies for Adolescents in Indonesia: A Qualitative Policy Analysis.

There is a growing recognition of the importance of adolescent health and well-being. Yet, little attention has been paid to adolescent nutrition, and few policies and programs are targeting to improve adolescent nutrition in Indonesia. This analysis aimed to identify (1) the extent to which adolescents are considered in nutrition policy in Indonesia and (2) opportunities to improve nutrition policy content to effectively target adolescents. We collected data on policy content through a desk review of national and subnational level nutrition-specific strategic plans, laws, regulations, and program guidelines. We then conducted 74 key informant interviews with policy makers and program experts in health, education, and related sectors using semistructured interview guides based on policy theory to examine policy context and implementation. The policy content and interview data were analyzed using thematic synthesis and narrative analysis. Currently, 2 nutrition-specific policies and programs are designed to improve adolescent nutrition in Indonesia, one focusing on iron-folic acid supplementation for adolescent girls and another on obesity prevention and management in schools. These programs are yet to be implemented at scale. Overall, adolescent nutrition is not yet considered a priority in the national development agenda. An opportunity exists to improve action on adolescent nutrition in Indonesia through scaling up of district-level policies and through improving coordination mechanisms across sectors. Few policies and programs exist to support adolescent nutrition in Indonesia. Coordinated efforts across relevant sectors and levels of government should be made to mainstream adolescent nutrition into relevant policies.

Planning a ‘slum free' Trivandrum: Housing upgrade and the rescaling of urban governance in India

This paper examines how India’s national urban development agenda is reshaping relationships between national, State and city-level governments. Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission, the flagship programme that heralded a new era of urban investment in India, contained a range of key governance aspirations: linking the analysis of urban poverty to city-level planning, developing holistic housing solutions for the urban poor, and above all empowering Urban Local Bodies to re-balance relationships between State and city-level governments in favour of the latter. Here, we trace Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission’s implementation in Kerala’s capital city, Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram), where the city’s decentralised urban governance structure and use of ‘pro-poor’ institutions to implement housing upgrade programmes could have made it an exemplar of success. In practice, Trivandrum’s ‘city visioning’ exercises and the housing projects it has undertaken have fallen short of Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission’s lofty goals. The contradictions between empowering cities and retaining centralised control embedded within this national programme, and the unintended city-level consequences of striving for Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission funding success, have reshaped urban governance in ways not envisaged within policy. As a result, Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission has been important in rescaling governance relationships through three interlinked dynamics of problem framing, technologies of governance and the scalar strategy of driving reform ‘from above’ that together have ensured the national state’s continued influence over the practices of urban governance in India.

Understanding the Connections between the EU Global Strategy and Somali Peacebuilding Education Needs and Priorities

AbstractThis paper examines the connections between identity politics and European Union (EU) aid effectiveness in peacebuilding education in Somalia. It engages with a severe educational challenge, which is that a lack of capacity in rigorous educational design and/or implementation across Somali Ministries in the South Central Zone, Somaliland and Puntland has led to the importation of multiple foreign curricula into the country simultaneously that do not address Somali history and contemporary conflict drivers and that frequently clash with local values as well as with each other. We critique this from a ‘new barbarism’ perspective, arguing that Somali voices and educational priorities have not been provided a sufficient space for expression in the EU debate on the global and therefore also the national development agenda.

ACADEMIC LIBRARIES AS AGENTS FOR NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT: A PARADIGM SHIFT

The paper focuses on academic libraries as agents for national development: a paradigm shift. Uni-versities and colleges in Nigeria often overlook academic libraries as avenues for national development. This is especially true, given the lack of appropriate recognition of academic libraries by the national government. This paper therefore explained the meaning and functions of academic libraries, concept of national development, academic libraries as avenues for sustainable development with emphasis on utility for literacy and education, adapting to change, and collaboration with government and organiza-tions, as well as catalysts for addressing social needs and addressing youth restiveness. The conclusion of the paper is that academic libraries must seek for framework for the development of information and communication systems and services to meet national developmental needs. It was recommended that academic libraries should promote talks on democracy and political leadership, provide job and ca-reer information to solve unemployment as well as analytical information on key national development agenda.

Spaces of resilience, ingenuity, and entrepreneurship in informal work in Ghana

ABSTRACTDespite playing an important role in the economies of low-income countries, there is a perception that informal markets are haphazard and disorganized. Using in-depth interviews conducted in Accra, Ghana, this study examines the strategic choices that market women pursue to gain access to and thrive in informal working spaces and ensure long-term survival. The findings reveal that entry into the informal working spaces is contingent on women’s ability to forge and nourish ties with acquaintances, kinsmen and middlemen. Further, the study found that in contrast to the notion of unregulated competition typically associated with street vending, market relations among women traders in informal market spaces are marked by alliances between rival sellers that transcended religious, ethnic, linguistic, and generational divides. As well, a strict code of conduct governs market behaviour, underpinned by an ethos of cooperation and mutual assistance among rival sellers. Furthermore, market women in Accra articulate the rationale behind informal entrepreneurship in ways that align with local and national development agenda. In so doing, the market women lend legitimacy to their trade, demand accountability from local authorities, and oppose repressive practices by the state. We highlight the implications of our findings for city planning and development.

Teaching Rural Indonesian Schools Students: Effective Strategies

“Building Indonesia from the periphery by strengthening the regions and villages within the framework of a unitary state” is the third agenda of Nawacita (Nine priorities of national development agenda). This commitment reflects the current Indonesian government's concerns that prioritize development in the disadvantaged, outermost, and frontier regions (3T). It is implemented in various programs, one of which is the SM-3T program enacted by the Ministry of Research, Technology, and Higher Education of Indonesia. The SM-3T, which stands for Sarjana Mendidik di daerah Terdepan, Terluar, dan Tertinggal (Graduates Educating in the Disadvantaged, Outermost, and Frontier Regions), is a year program for teacher education graduates to teach in rural areas of Indonesia. This study aims to investigate teaching strategies used by SM-3T teachers in rural Indonesian schools. This research employs a narrative case study. The techniques of data collection comprise questionnaire and in-depth interview. This study can extend the existing knowledge about ELT in rural Indonesian schools, especially teaching strategies, and to improve teachers’ professionalism as they could experience conditions in rural Indonesian schools which are different from the conditions in urban schools.